Long Stay Visa for Employment
1. General Employment
Acceptance of foreign nationals in the general employment category is based on the economic needs of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The two basic conditions are:
Vocational qualification
A concrete offer of a contract of employment
You will need the following documentation:
Application form for a residence permit
Two passport size, color photos
Valid passport
Two copies of your vocational qualification
Letter of intent or contract offered to you by a company in Germany containing a detailed
description of the employment
2. Specialist Professional ​
The Federal Republic of Germany is interested in attracting specialist professionals to work and live in Germany. This applies particularly to:
Graduates with special professional knowledge and experience
University teachers with outstanding career profiles
Experienced managers with an offer of a job carrying a salary of not less than 86.400 Euros per year
Applicants should furthermore satisfy the following criteria:
Ability to integrate into German society
Sufficient funds to maintain yourself
A contract of employment
You will need the following documentation:
Application form for a residence permit
Two passport size color photos
Valid passport
Documentation of your professional knowledge and experience
Letter of intent or contract offered to you by a German employer, including a detailed description of the employment
To work on a self-employed basis your proposed business must:
3. Self-Employed
Fulfil the needs of Germany
Have a beneficial economic impact
Be fully covered by your own capital or bank loan for which there is a written confirmation
If your investment is worth 1 million Euros and creates 10 new jobs than you fulfil the first two requirements. To ensure the sustainability of your business project, the following criteria will also be taken into account:
Viability of your business plan
Your relevant business experience
Amount to be invested in Germany
Impact of your business project on employment and skills
Contribution of your project to innovation and research
You will need the following documentation
Complete application form for a residence permit
Two passport size color photos
Valid passport
Detailed description of your business project, including an expectation of how your project meets the required criteria
Proof that you possess the necessary capital for the business
If you are over 45 years of age, you must also provide evidence of adequate pension means
Note: A residence permit for self-employed business purposes is valid for a maximum of three years. It can be indefinitely extended if your project is successful.
